Publications
Partners
Former Chelsea star Gavin Peacock believes Frank Lampard could be "gold dust" for the Stamford Bridge club.
Peacock helped Kevin Keegan's Newcastle reach the Premier League and starred at Chelsea under Glenn Hoddle, thriving through the nineties as a midfielder of goals and grace.
But just as his first post-playing career was about to sky-rocket, he relinquished a coveted role on Match Of The Day and headed instead for Calgary, Canada.
From the gantry to the pulpit, his punditry switched from football to becoming a pastor at Calvary Grace Church - and continuing to draw enjoyment from his former sport.
And Peacock sees the Blues' record goalscorer turned boss as a strong example of how to lead in trying times.
Lampard has enjoyed a healthy start to his career as Blues boss and Peacock told the PA news agency: "Frank has all the hallmarks of the gentleman manager.
"He has self-control, he's measured in his comments; maybe he feels certain things but he doesn't let that show, he has himself under control and he's intelligent.
"He can think of the bigger picture. He wants to bring those young players through, has a sense of Chelsea and the history of the club, and the necessity to keep the youth products coming through.
"The fans love that, and I think it's a necessity for the identity of the football club.
"Someone like Frank, he's gold dust. He's a young, English manager at one of the top clubs in the country, at the top level.
"I'm encouraged with Frank. He's a great figurehead for Chelsea."
- TEAMtalk media
